This past September, the state of Texas enacted the most restrictive abortion ban currently in effect in the United States. The law, Senate Bill 8, prohibits abortions as early as six weeks into the pregnancy—a time period in which most women are unware they are even pregnant. The state’s sweeping legislation also makes no exceptions for people who are victims of rape or incest. The bill is part of a national agenda to end access to abortion across the U.S., including the landmark case Roe v. Wade, which the Supreme Court could possibly overturn—triggering bans in 26 states to go into effect within months.
In response to these extreme developments, Planned Parenthood has launched “Choice Works,” an emergency benefit auction, now live on Artsy, with a corresponding event to take place during Art Basel in Miami Beach on December 2nd. The auction, which closes December 7th, features artworks donated directly by leading contemporary artists—like Amy Sherald, Loie Hollowell, and Raymond Pettibon—with proceeds going towards helping patients affected by the ban obtain an out-of-state abortion.
Here, we offer insights on 10 of the standout lots that artists have donated to support Planned Parenthood’s urgent initiatives.
Elizabeth Glaessner, Huddle (2020)
This painting by Elizabeth Glaessner, entitled Huddle, depicts three anthropomorphic figures engaging in a saturated, post-apocalyptic forest. The New York–based artist, who draws inspiration from her experiences growing up in southeastern Texas as well as the ordinary objects that surround her, creates alluring paintings that continue to evolve and morph after their completion due to the artist’s practice of mixing oil paint with solvent.
Erin M. Riley, Humble Magnum (2018)
This grand-scale tapestry by Erin M. Riley, Humble Magnum—available with a starting bid of $7,000—depicts two used Magnum condoms and the brand’s torn signature wrapper that stand in stark contrast to the soft, muted-down background. Speaking about her participation in the auction, Riley said, “Planned Parenthood was a lifeline in my quest for autonomy as a teenager through to adulthood. It has been inspiring to see how it has fought to remain a resource available for everyone, and I am honored to donate my work to help it continue on its mission.”
Known for her erotic wool textiles, the Brooklyn-based artist magnifies the varied sexual expierences of everyday women through imagery culled from the internet. Riley, who has described herself “as a queer human who grew up in chat rooms,” hand-dyes the yarn for each object and subject that gives space for women’s stories detailing drug use, domestic violence, and sexuality that are often hidden from the larger part of society.
Robin F. Williams, Space Angel (Study), 2021
“All people deserve the right to keep their bodies and minds safe and healthy,” said Robin F. Williams. “Folks with wombs are not instruments of the state or sites of reproduction. They are people; alive, embodied, and inherently worthy of the right to choose.” This colored pencil drawing by Williams is a study for a painting of the same name which was recently featured in her solo show at P·P·O·W in New York, “Out Lookers.”